VintageNOW fundraiser will take it back to the 1940s on Oct. 22

Deb Maevers, owner of Pastimes Antiques in Cape Girardeau, is thrilled to be putting on the seventh annual VintageNOW Fashion Show on Oct. 22.

"We wanted to have a fun, relevant theme, and with the election so close, we thought, 'Why not do something with American pride and vintage flair? So we went with 1940s USO shows,'" she said of the show, which will be at the Osage Centre, 1625 N. Kingshighway in Cape Girardeau. "Our expectation is that people will walk in that front door and it'll be like they've time warped back to the World War II era. Decorations, music, the food -- we're hoping to really wow everyone who attends."

VintageNOW model Pamela Avila poses with the 1940s LST Memorial 325 during its stop at the Cape Girardeau riverfront last week.Photo courtesy of Aaron Palmer

Past VintageNOW shows have featured a mix of vintage and contemporary looks, and this year's show will be geared more toward the vintage looks, in keeping with the theme, she said.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Maevers emphasizes the seriousness of their intention.

VintageNOW models pose with the 1940s LST Memorial 325 during its stop at the Cape Girardeau riverfront last week.Photo courtesy of Aaron Palmer

"We want to have a fun event that people can come to, be entertained, but also help women who are in terrible situations," she said. "We like to say we're shining a light on the darkness of domestic violence with this event, raising awareness, hopefully helping people understand that this is a real problem, even in our own community."

One hundred percent of the net proceeds from the show go to the Safe House for Women, Maevers said.

VintageNOW models pose with the 1940s LST Memorial 325 during its stop at the Cape Girardeau riverfront last week.Photo courtesy of Aaron Palmer

"I give a little pep talk to the models before the show, ask them to close their eyes, picture a woman they know and love. One in four households in America are affected by domestic violence, so there's a real chance that a mother, cousin, sister, best friend -- well, I ask the models to remember they're walking strong for a woman who can't right now," Maevers said.

This year, each model will be wearing red shoes, which signify the ongoing effort to stomp out domestic violence.

VintageNOW models pose with the 1940s LST Memorial 325 during its stop at the Cape Girardeau riverfront last week.Photo courtesy of Aaron Palmer

"Whether they go with the outfits or not, each look will have red shoes," she said.

Tammy Johnston, volunteer coordinator for the show, said working with the volunteers who make the show happen is extremely rewarding.

VintageNOW models pose with the 1940s LST Memorial 325 during its stop at the Cape Girardeau riverfront last week.Photo courtesy of Aaron Palmer

"This is my fourth year volunteering, and I've attended every show," she said. "This year, we have over 100 people, between the setup crew, lighting, sound direction, music coordination, servers during the event, ticket takers, our chef, hair and makeup artists, and our four fashion stylists, who each dress 11 models in two looks, 88 outfits total. A lot of planning goes into making sure everything flows."

Pastimes works with other local businesses, including Ophelia Boutique, Stash, The Buckle, Cato and Brickwood Boutique in the Indie House, to put on the event.

VintageNOW models pose with the 1940s LST Memorial 325 during its stop at the Cape Girardeau riverfront last week.Photo courtesy of Aaron Palmer

"We've been so fortunate that so many local businesses are willing to work with us to bring this show to life," Maevers said.

Jessica Hill, director of the Safe House for Women, is excited at the prospect of this year's event.

VintageNOW model Kaleisha Walker poses at the Cape Girardeau riverfront.Photo courtesy of Aaron Palmer

"VintageNOW has been such an amazing opportunity for the Safe House," she said. "Deb had the vision, and the Safe House has benefited tremendously for the past seven years."

The Safe House is fundraising for its campaign to build a new shelter that will be more functional for the women and children who require its services.

VintageNOW models pose with the 1940s LST Memorial 325 during its stop at the Cape Girardeau riverfront last week.Photo courtesy of Aaron Palmer

"We're so appreciative of the VintageNOW sponsors, volunteers, models and everyone who has worked so hard to make this year's show the best yet," Hill said.

Tickets are available; general admission is $25 per ticket, and a limited number of tables for groups of 10 are still available. Tickets may be purchased at Pastimes Antiques, 45 N. Main St., the Safe House for Women Thrift Store, 230 N. Spring Ave., or online at vintagenowfashionshow.com.

VintageNOW models pose with the 1940s LST Memorial 325 during its stop at the Cape Girardeau riverfront last week.Photo courtesy of Aaron Palmer

Pertinent address:

1625 N. Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau, Mo.

45 N. Main St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.

230 N. Spring Ave., Cape Girardeau, Mo.